Wellington Santa Parade road closures

The Red Baron will be there, as well as Buzzy Bee. Peter Rabbit has RSVPed, along with Yogi Bear.

And, of course, Santa and his reindeer will feature as the 63rd annual Santa Parade winds through the streets of Wellington on Sunday, December 9.

Santa at the 2011 Wellington Santa Parade.

Santa has a busy day in store, following the parade with a children's party in the park and Carols by Candlelight.

More than 60,000 are expected to watch the parade, so spectators are advised to arrive early.

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says the council listened to the public and is holding the parade closer to Christmas.

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Mary Fisher, who won four swimming medals at the London Paralympics, will be Grand Master of the parade. Two other Olympic swimmers, Tash Hind and Samantha Lucie-Smith, will be on the Swimming New Zealand float.

Santa and his reindeer will be accompanied by floats featuring Snoopy and the Red Baron, Christmas toys and a nativity scene. Young spectators will recognise some of their favourites, including Cartoon Network's Ben 10, the Wot Wots, Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo, and Ice Age's Sid and Scrat.

The Santa Parade starts at 2pm on the corner of Lambton Quay and Ballance St, travels down Lambton Quay to Willis St, into Mercer St, along Victoria St and into Manners St, where it ends.

Cancellation will be announced on NewstalkZB at 9am, or call the Wellington City Council on 04 499 4444.

There will be some alternative bus stops in place in Customhouse Quay and Jervois Quay because the stops along Lambton Quay will be out of commission.

SANTA'S PARTY IN THE PARK

Ater the parade, families can take a safe walking route through Civic Square and across the City to Sea Bridge to Waitangi Park for the party, which starts 3.30pm. There will be carol singing, musical entertainment, fairies, princes and princesses. Food will be available.

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

Exodus Carols by Candlelight begins at 7.30pm and the Telecom Tree will help light up the celebrations as darkness falls.